Caoxian Travel

Caoxian, Heze, Shandong — historically known as Caozhou, the location of the ancient capital of the Shang dynasty, honored as "China's First Capital." It boasts historical and natural landscapes such as Shangtangling, Yiyin Temple, and the Yellow River Old Course, integrating Shang culture, Yellow River culture, and modern Hanfu industry. A 2-day in-depth tour unlocks the charm of this millennia-old county, experiencing the unique blend of history and nature.

3700+
Years of Urban History
2
3A+ Scenic Spots
7+
Core Attractions
12+
Specialty Foods
Shangtangling, Caoxian, Heze City
Shangtangling - Birthplace of Shang Culture
The resting place of King Tang of Shang, with surviving architectural remains from the Ming and Qing dynasties, ancient cypress trees, and numerous steles. It is an important relic for studying Shang dynasty history and culture, hailed as a "living fossil of Shang culture."

Caoxian Two-Day One-Night Shangyun Culture Tour

Visit Shangtang ruins to trace history, explore the Yellow River Old Course, taste Caoxian specialties, experience Hanfu culture, and unlock the history and natural beauty of this ancient county.

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Shangtangling, Yellow River Old Course, Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond, Hanfu Industrial Park, Caoxian Museum
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, nature explorers, Hanfu lovers, families with children
Budget per Person
¥450-¥900
01
Shang Rhyme Tracing
Shangtangling · Yiyin Temple · Hanfu Industrial Park · Panshi Ancient City
Highlights

Morning: Visit Shangtangling to trace the origin of Shang culture. Afternoon: Tour Yiyin Temple to learn about the deeds of the ancient sage prime minister. Evening: Explore the Hanfu Industrial Park to experience the charm of traditional attire, and stroll through Panshi Ancient City to enjoy the night scene.

Attractions
Shangtangling (Tomb of King Tang of Shang)
Provincial key cultural relic protection unit. The tomb of King Tang, founder of the Shang dynasty. Remains include the burial mound, temple hall, and ancient cypress trees. The "Stele of King Tang of Shang" erected during the Ming and Qing dynasties records his achievements and the history of the mausoleum.
Yiyin Temple
A shrine commemorating Yiyin, the virtuous prime minister of the Shang dynasty who assisted King Tang in overthrowing the Xia and establishing the Shang. Honored as the "Primordial Sage." The existing temple was rebuilt during the Qing dynasty, featuring a main hall, side halls, and Yiyin's tomb, surrounded by ancient cypresses and numerous steles.
Hanfu Industrial Park
As the "Capital of Hanfu in China," Caoxian's industrial park gathers dozens of Hanfu enterprises. It features a Hanfu exhibition hall, production experience area, and e-commerce live streaming rooms. Visitors can tour the manufacturing process and try on or customize Hanfu.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Business hotels in county center
  • Hanfu-themed homestays
  • Inns near Panshi Ancient City
Food Recommendations
  • Caoxian roast beef
  • Water-fried buns
  • Lamb zhuangmo (thick pancake)
  • Spicy rabbit meat
Travel Tips
  • Respect cultural relic protection regulations when visiting Shangtangling and Yiyin Temple
  • Book at least 1 day in advance for Hanfu fitting experience at the Industrial Park
  • Panshi Ancient City night light show starts at 19:30
02
Ecology & Scenery
Yellow River Old Course National Wetland Park · Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond Scenic Area · Caoxian Museum · Departure
Highlights

Morning: Explore the Yellow River Old Course Wetland Park to experience wetland ecology. Afternoon: Stroll through the Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond to enjoy summer scenery. Visit Caoxian Museum to systematically learn local history. Shop for specialties before departure.

Attractions
Yellow River Old Course National Wetland Park
A wetland park built on the remains of the Yellow River's old course, covering approximately 880 hectares. It features wetland, forest, and marsh ecosystems, and is home to dozens of bird species including egrets and grey cranes — an ideal place for eco-tourism and leisure.
Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond Scenic Area
A large-scale lotus pond landscape along the Yellow River Old Course, with over 10,000 mu planted with lotus roots. In summer, the lotus flowers bloom creating a spectacular "boundless green" scene. Equipped with viewing platforms and boat docks, visitors can enjoy boating and lotus seed picking.
Caoxian Museum
Houses over 2,000 artifacts, including more than 30 national-level cultural relics. Features exhibition halls on "Shang Culture," "Yellow River Culture," and "Hanfu Culture," systematically showcasing Caoxian's historical and cultural lineage from the Shang dynasty to the present.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Yellow River Old Course: take Caoxian Bus Route 101 directly
  • Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond is 3 km from the wetland park; walk or cycle
  • Museum is 2 km from city center; taxi about ¥8
Ticket Info
  • Shangtangling: ¥20
  • Yiyin Temple: ¥15
  • Yellow River Old Course Wetland Park: Free
  • Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond: ¥30 (includes boat ride)
  • Caoxian Museum: Free (registration required)
Travel Tips
  • Apply sunscreen when visiting the lotus pond in summer; sun hats available for rent
  • Feeding wildlife is prohibited in the wetland park
  • Museum offers Hanfu trial experience (10:00-15:00)

Must-Try Foods in Caoxian

Caoxian Roast Beef

A traditional famous dish of Caoxian. Made from premium local yellow beef, processed through marinating, braising, and roasting. The meat is tender and flavorful. Vacuum-packed for easy carrying, it is a long-standing local specialty.

Lamb Zhuangmo (Thick Pancake)

A specialty pasta of Caoxian, filled with lamb and green onions, made into a thick pancake nearly one meter in diameter, baked on a griddle. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, hearty and nutritious — a festive essential dish.

Water-Fried Bun

A common street snack in Caoxian, filled with pork and chives. The buns are first fried then steamed, resulting in a golden crispy bottom, fluffy white top, and juicy savory filling. Paired with millet congee, it forms a classic breakfast combination.

Lotus Leaf Wrapped Pork

A delicacy made using the specialty product of the Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond. Marinated pork belly is wrapped in fresh lotus leaves and steamed. The meat is fatty but not greasy, with a subtle lotus leaf fragrance — an innovative dish integrating local characteristics.

Caoxian Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Lotus flowers in full bloom at Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond, beautiful wetland scenery
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool weather, ideal for exploring historical sites
  • Spring (Apr-May): Rich activities during Hanfu Cultural Festival
Must-Try Foods
  • Caoxian roast beef
  • Lamb zhuangmo
  • Water-fried buns
  • Lotus leaf wrapped pork
  • Zao yu (fermented fish)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥85
  • Accommodation: ¥130-280/night
  • Meals: ¥60-120/day
  • Transport: about ¥40
  • Total: ¥450-900
FAQ
  • Best time to see lotus flowers at Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond? → Mid-July to early August
  • Can I custom-order Hanfu at the Industrial Park? → Yes, custom orders take about 7-15 days
  • Where is the most authentic Caoxian roast beef? → Time-honored "Mi Jia Roast Beef" in the county town
  • Is the Yellow River Old Course suitable for cycling? → Yes, bicycle rental service is available at the scenic area

Explore Districts & Counties of Heze